Best Calming Aids for Dogs to Ease Stressful Situations and Keep Your Dog Calm

How We Chose These Products

All the products we’re featuring in our list of dog calming aids are best-sellers at Chewy that are also top-rated, having a 4-star rating or higher. You can rest assured that customers—dog parents just like you—have used these products and love them. We know how tough it can be to navigate the retail space, so we wanted to take that burden off your shoulders so you and your pup can feel better pronto.

Types of Dog Calming Aids

Just as there are many different types of stressful scenarios, there are many different types of calming aids for dogs. Here are some of the most common options.

Calming Supplements

Calming supplements, delivered via dog chews, powder or liquid drops, are a useful way to manage your dog’s occasional anxiety. The chews can be given on their own, while the liquid drops and powder supplements are usually mixed in with the pet’s food. You get the benefit of leveraging a familiar object (that they enjoy) to administer the supplement, and they enjoy the snack.

“These products often contain ingredients such as L-theanine, L-tryptophan, valerian root, chamomile and melatonin,” says Dr. Cermele. “Many dog owners find these effective for reducing stress related to situations like thunderstorms, travel or visits to the vet office.”

Other common ingredients used in these calming chews include ginger and thiamine. What’s not to love about a savory chicken-flavored, pork-flavored or bacon-flavored treat that has wellness benefits, too?

Calming Sprays

Dog calming sprays help reduce reactions to stressful situations either through “dog-appeasing pheromones” (DAP) or natural ingredients known for their calming benefits, such as lavender and chamomile. They work by mimicking natural calming signals that help your pup feel more at ease, making them ideal for short-term stressful events such as thunderstorms, travel or fireworks.

They’re typically sprayed on your dog’s environment, bedding or directly on the fur (if deemed safe). (Note: If you have different types of pets in the home, like a cat, make sure the spray is fully dry before letting your pets interact. Products meant for dogs could be toxic to cats.)

Plug-in Diffusers

Wall diffusers plug directly into an electrical outlet and disperse a calming pheromone into the air to help soothe your pup, Dr. Cermele explains.

They’re similar to sprays, only they emit the scent non-stop versus for short periods of time. That makes them suitable for situations when your dog experiences longer durations of stress—like when you’re away from the house and they have separation anxiety—or in cases where your pup is often on edge.

Calming Collars

Calming collars are placed around your dog’s neck and emit a calming smell via pheromones or herbal ingredients. “The most popular type of calming collar uses synthetic versions of the pheromone that mother dogs produce to soothe their puppies,” Dr. Cermele says. “Studies and subjective evidence suggest that pheromone-based collars can be effective in reducing anxiety in many dogs, particularly for ongoing stressors like periods of separation, changes in the home environment or loud noises like fireworks.”

She adds that herbal-based collars, which use ingredients such as lavender and chamomile, may also have a soothing effect, though their effectiveness can vary more widely among individual dogs.

Generally speaking, calming collars are non-invasive and convenient, making them a practical option for dog parents who may find it challenging to administer supplements or other calming aids regularly.

Anti-Anxiety Apparel

Certain garments are designed to have a calming effect on dogs, including anti-anxiety vests and calming caps. They provide gentle compression similar to swaddling. The light, constant pressure helps calm your dog’s nervous system. Vests compress your dog’s body, while caps create pressure around their head. (Note: For caps, you’ll want to make sure they aren’t so tight as to cause choking.) Since they’re placed over your dog’s ears, they can also help reduce stressful loud noises.

“Many dogs find this pressure comforting, and it can help reduce anxiety during stressful situations such as travel, vet visits or thunderstorms,” Dr. Cermele says. They can also work well for grooming sessions (especially caps to shield pets from the new noises) and other overwhelming environments.

Toys

Stress-relieving dog toys are specifically designed to provide your pup with mental stimulation, comfort and, yeah, a bit of distraction from whatever’s making them feel anxious. These toys often incorporate features such as calming scents, treat-dispensing mechanisms and soft, chewable materials.

Some examples include lick mats, interactive puzzles, and frozen toys or objects that they can chew for long periods of time. These are great for when your pup is left alone or going through a stressful event at home, like a thunderstorm or when you have visitors.

How To Calm Dogs

Stressed or anxious dogs exhibit both clear and subtle signs. Dr. Cermele says that obvious signs include:

• Excessive barking or whining
• Cowering
• Trembling
• Growling
• Snapping
• Biting
• Panting (not related to exercise or heat)
• Pacing
• Digging
• Appetite changes
• Destructive behaviors like chewing or getting into items they shouldn’t

“Less obvious signs of stress include yawning when not tired and excessive lip licking,” Dr. Cermele says. “Dogs may also show avoidance behaviors, such as turning away, hiding or trying to escape from a situation. Excessive drooling, dilated pupils or seeing more of the whites of the eyes—known as whale eye—can also indicate stress.”

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to get to the bottom of the issue. Follow these expert tips from Dr. Cermele for helping to calm stressed dogs.

Step 1: Identify the Stress Trigger

Observe your dog’s behavior and try to pinpoint what triggers their anxiety. Common causes of stress in dogs include loud noises, separation from their pet parents, new environments or experiences, health issues and a history of trauma. All these sources will require unique approaches to calming your dog’s anxiety.

Step 2: Create a Safe Environment

One of the best things you can do to help ease your dog’s stress levels is to provide them with a safe space with accessibility. Set up a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can retreat, with their bed, toys and blankets. Do what you can to minimize exposure to triggers like loud noises or unfamiliar environments or experiences.

Step 3: Try Calming Aids

Along with a safe environment, it’s often helpful to soothe your pup with calming aids, including the options we’ve included above. You’ll want to choose the best type of calming aid for your dog’s source of anxiety and their personal preferences. Always use these items according to instructions and consult with your veterinarian for advice.

Step 4: Engage in Calming Activities

Dogs require both mental and physical stimulation to help reduce their overall anxiety levels and boost their well-being. Make sure to engage them in regular physical exercise via walks, indoor playtime, or outdoor parks and activities. Mental stimulation can come from interactive games, like puzzles and tug-of-war. Training is another great way to mentally engage your pup.

Step 5: Maintain Consistency

As best as you can, try to maintain consistent schedules for feeding, walking and playtime. Sticking to a schedule helps your dog know what to expect each day. During situations that are out of the norm or stress-inducing, provide your dog with calming aids and activities, adjusting as needed to suit their needs.

Talk to Your Veterinarian

While calming products for dogs are helpful, it’s important to remember that every pup is unique and all situations require individualized treatment. “Consulting with a veterinarian before starting any new calming aid is always a good idea, as they can provide guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs and ensure there are no underlying health issues contributing to their anxiety,” Dr. Cermele says.

She also recommends veterinary intervention for a stressed or anxious dog anytime signs of stress don’t resolve or worsen with simple behavioral interventions, and in cases where your dog’s anxiety is causing significant behavioral changes, such as aggressive tendencies, excessive barking, destructive behavior or withdrawal.

Dog Calming FAQs

Q: What is the best thing to calm a dog?

A: The best way to calm a dog is to determine the source of their stress or anxiety and do what you can to minimize the stressor. Creating a calm and safe environment can help, as can using a dog calming aid such as a calming collar, vest or treat.

Q: Do calming aids work for dogs?

A: Yes, dog-specific calming aids can work well for dogs. There’s research and anecdotal evidence that supports the use of pheromone-based dog calming products, chew toys, calming treats and beyond. The type of aid you use will depend on the cause of stress and your dog’s preferences.

Q: Are there any side effects associated with dog calming aids?

A: Dog calming aids are generally considered safe, but there are potential side effects to consider. These include digestive issues, sedation, skin irritation from collars, respiratory problems with sprays, discomfort from vests, potential toxicity from aromatherapy, overconsumption with treats and behavioral dependency. Consult a vet before use and monitor for adverse reactions.

Q: Can I give my dog a calming aid before a vet visit?

A: Some pet parents find it very helpful to provide their dog with a calming aid before going to the vet or groomer, which are understandably stressful situations. This can range from giving them a calming supplement (like a chew), giving them a calming toy, or putting them in a calming vest or cap.

Life can be stressful, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to be stressed-out. Give them a new sense of ease, whether they’re faced with loud noises or car rides, with the best calming aids for dogs. Looking for other ways to reduce your dog’s stress? Check out our guide on how to calm dogs with anxiety.

Expert input provided by Andrea Cermele, DVM, a veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization.

This content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.